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Ubiquiti sunMAX User Manual

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USER GUIDE

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  • Page 1 USER GUIDE...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Overview .
  • Page 4 ™ Solar User Guide Y-Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Example 1 .
  • Page 5 Table of Contents Appendix A: Span Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Exposure Category B .
  • Page 6 ™ Solar User Guide...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: Introduction

    . The sunMAX solar solution should be deployed by an installer trained and familiar with the safety and operational procedures of the sunMAX system and all of its components .

  • Page 8: Recommendations

    • Do not perform installation in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or high winds . Wear appropriate work clothes and protective equipment . • Wear gloves when handling sunMAX components . Flashing has sharp edges and will get hot when exposed to sunlight .

  • Page 9: Points To Check Before Wiring

    Chapter 1: Introduction WARNING: Wiring work should be performed according to the provisions of the National Electrical Code . Grounding work and wiring connections to the inverter should be performed by a qualified electrician . Please adhere to all applicable codes, required permits, and regulations concerning the installation and inspection requirements as they pertain to your location .

  • Page 10: Installation Requirements

    ™ Solar User Guide Installation Requirements • No . 2 Phillips screwdriver • Leveling string • Tape measure • Electric drill • 3/16" (4 .8 mm) long drill bit • Chalk line • Chalk stick (for cutting shingle) • Tin snips or utility knife (for cutting shingle) •...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: Components

    Chapter 2: Components Chapter 2: Components Solar Panel The Solar Panel, model SM-SP-260W-DC, can be installed in portrait orientation, landscape orientation, or a combination of both . Prior to transferring the Solar Panels to the roof for installation, each will be assembled with cabling and a Microinverter.

  • Page 12: Mounting Assembly

    ™ Solar User Guide Mounting Assembly Mounting Assemblies, model SM-MA-10, provide structural support and 360° adjustment swivel between the Roof Mount and outer edges of the Solar Panel . The arrow located on the top surface of each Mounting Assembly should always point downward towards the Trim Cover .

  • Page 13: Trim Cover Kit

    . Jumper Cables attach to the inside edge of the Solar Panels using Cable Support Clips . Solar Gateway The Solar Gateway, model SM-SG, communicates with and gathers data from all Microinverters in the solar array and sends information to the Ubiquiti sunMAX cloud management system via the local area network . ®...

  • Page 14: Roof Mount Kit

    ™ Solar User Guide Roof Mount Kit The Roof Mount Kit, model SM-RM-C-10, provides a structural mount between the roof surface and Mounting Assembly to support the array . The kit includes the roof mount and mounting hardware, roof flashing, and counter flashing to ensure a watertight installation .

  • Page 15: Tile Accessory Kit

    Chapter 2: Components Tile Accessory Kit Used in conjunction with the Roof Mount Kit, the Tile Accessory Kit, model SM-RM-T-10, includes additional components required for tile-roof mounting: a threaded stud, extension post, upper aluminum Flashing, and counter flashing . The upper aluminum Flashing is flexible and can be formed to fit most flat or curved tiles . Note: The Flashing has sharp edges and will get hot when exposed to sunlight .

  • Page 16: Y-Cables

    ™ Solar User Guide Y-Cables Portrait The Portrait Y-Cables, model SM-YC-P4-5, are used to connect panels and devices, such as the Solar Gateway or Microinverter, in a portrait-array configuration . Landscape The Landscape Y-Cables, model SM-YC-L4-5, are used to connect panels and devices, such as the Solar Gateway or a Microinverter, in a landscape-array configuration .

  • Page 17: Chapter 3: Component Usage

    Chapter 3: Component Usage Chapter 3: Component Usage All sunMAX mounting components are installed into frame of the Solar Panel using the same motion . Components hook underneath the outer edge of the panel’s frame and then pivot down . Never force a component into place as it can damage the frame of the Solar Panel .

  • Page 18: Mounting Assembly

    ™ Solar User Guide Panel Connectors have preset gaps on them where the Solar Panels will fit in as they come together during the installation . Align the preset gaps with the edge of the Solar Panel before hooking the Panel Connector underneath the frame and pivoting down .

  • Page 19: Trim Cover Kit

    Chapter 3: Component Usage Trim Cover Kit The Trim Cover Kit serves as an assembly aid for alignment and maintains the Class A fire rating when installed . There should always be at least one Mounting Assembly and one Panel Connector per Trim Cover . There are three different Trim Covers available for use depending on the design and orientation of your array: Landscape, 2-Panel Portrait, and 1-Panel Portrait .

  • Page 20: 1-Panel Portrait

    ™ Solar User Guide 1-Panel Portrait The 1-Panel Portrait Trim Cover is used in a solar array where there are an odd number of portrait columns . For example, in an array of three portrait columns, use one 2-Panel Portrait Trim Cover and one 1-Panel Portrait Trim Cover .

  • Page 21: Cable Support Clips

    Chapter 3: Component Usage Each Trim Cover also comes with a set of trim locks to secure it in place at all Mounting Assembly locations along the front edge of the array . Cable Support Clips The Cable Support Clips slide onto the inner frame underneath the Solar Panel and pivot down over the outer edge of the frame .

  • Page 22: Flashing

    ™ Solar User Guide Flashing Flashing is placed over each roof mount and helps ensure a watertight installation when positioned properly . The upper edge of the Flashing should always be covered by the third course of shingles to prevent water from entering underneath the Flashing .

  • Page 23: Y-Cables

    Chapter 3: Component Usage Y-Cables Y-Cables run along the inside edges of AC Modules to allow access to the cable ends during installation . Y-Cables come in both portrait and landscape configuration depending on how the AC Modules will be installed in the array .

  • Page 24: Example 1

    ™ Solar User Guide Here are a few examples: Example 1 Looking top-side down, if you want the End Run to terminate on the right side of row two in the array, ensure that the Y-Cable coming from the last AC Module in that row has a male connector on it .

  • Page 25: Example 3

    Chapter 3: Component Usage Example 3 Looking top-side down, if you want the End Run to terminate on the left side of row two in the array, ensure that the Y-Cable coming from the last AC Module in that row has a male connector on it . End Run connecting to male connector on Y-Cable Row 2...

  • Page 26: Solar Panel

    ™ Solar User Guide Solar Panel When installing a single Solar Panel, either portrait or landscape, it must have a minimum of four Mounting Assemblies . The overhang distance past each mount (on both sides) and the spacing between Mounting Assemblies must still adhere to the same specifications as a multi-panel array .
  • Page 27 Chapter 3: Component Usage Transitioning from Landscape to Portrait Transitioning from Portrait to Landscape Pyramid Shape...
  • Page 28 ™ Solar User Guide Additional Layout Configurations Panel Connector Roof Mount Landscape Array Omitting Center AC Module (for Roofing Vent or Pipe) Rectangle Shape (Portrait)

  • Page 29: Chapter 4: Analysis

    Chapter 4: Analysis Chapter 4: Analysis To determine the maximum amount of spacing when installing your solar system, consider the location and general weather conditions surrounding your install . Refer to the span tables in “Appendix A: Span Tables” on page 57 to determine the recommended measurements as they pertain to your location . Snow Loading To determine the ground snow load at the installation site, consult with your local building and safety department for the specific requirements for your location .

  • Page 30: Grounding

    Solar User Guide Grounding The sunMAX mounting system provides a built-in integrated grounding system to bond the array together . When Panel Connectors are installed they provide up to a four-way bond with adjacent modules and/or trim skirts . By bonding modules into one contiguous system, only a single grounding wire is required for an array up to 60 panels .

  • Page 31: Chapter 5: Ac Module Assembly

    Chapter 5: AC Module Assembly Chapter 5: AC Module Assembly The AC Module is a Solar Panel with a Microinverter installed . For ease of installation, assemble the AC Module and attach the required cabling and support clips prior to transferring the AC Module to the roof . Y-Cable Microinverter Solar Panel...

  • Page 32: Installing The Cable Support Clips And Y-Cable

    ™ Solar User Guide 3 . Using the mounting bolts, secure the Microinverter to the inside edge of the Solar Panel using 9 lb-ft or 12 N‑m of torque. Ensure that the neighboring edge of the Microinverter is still attached to the corner frame edge before inserting the mounting bolts .

  • Page 33: Portrait Orientation

    Chapter 5: AC Module Assembly Portrait Orientation 1 . Stand the AC Module up vertically against a wall so that the Microinverter is in the upper-right corner as you face the underside surface of the panel . 2 . Attach the Cable Support Clips to the AC Module by performing the following steps: a .

  • Page 34: Landscape Orientation

    ™ Solar User Guide Landscape Orientation 1 . Stand the AC Module up horizontally against a wall so that the Microinverter is in the upper-left corner as you face the underside surface of the panel . 2 . Attach the Cable Support Clips to the AC Module by performing the following steps: a .

  • Page 35: Connecting Y-Cable To Microinverter

    Chapter 5: AC Module Assembly Connecting Y-Cable to Microinverter 1 . Using the AC Disconnect Tool, remove the Protective Cap from the Power Connector on the Y-Cable . AC Disconnect Tool Protective Cap Power Connector 2 . Plug the Power Connector on the Y-Cable into the AC Port on the Microinverter . The Power Connector is keyed to fit one way into the Microinverter .
  • Page 36 ™ Solar User Guide The AC Module is now complete and ready for installation . Portrait Configuration Landscape Configiuration...

  • Page 37: Chapter 6: Installation

    Chapter 6: Installation Chapter 6: Installation Roof Mount and Flashing Installation Locate on the roof where the solar array will be installed . Ensure that you adhere to all local rules and regulations that correspond to your location in regards to measurements and spacing from roof eaves and ridges .
  • Page 38 ™ Solar User Guide 4 . Identify the first mount location by locating the closest rafter underneath the outside edge of the first AC Module in your array . Mark the center of the first rafter that will support the lower-edge corner of the first AC Module in your array .
  • Page 39 Chapter 6: Installation 7 . The roof shingles need to be cut to allow proper installation of the Roof Mounts and Flashing . Use a chalk stick to mark a 3" (75 mm) area around the roof mount (to use as a guide) and trim the second course of shingles .
  • Page 40 ™ Solar User Guide 10 . Cover both hole openings with roofing sealant . This will ensure a watertight installation once you’ve secured the lag screws to the rafter . 11 . Position the Roof Mount into place and tighten the lag screws until the Roof Mount is secure .
  • Page 41 14 . Slip the Flashing into place underneath the upper course of shingles and lower it over the roof mount . The Flashing should be installed with the Ubiquiti logo towards the front . 15 . Reseat the shingles to cover the Flashing . Position the Flashing to meet the following criteria: •...

  • Page 42: Mounting Assembly Installation

    ™ Solar User Guide 16 . Apply a minimum of ¼" (6 mm) continuous roof caulking around the gap between the Flashing and the Roof Mount . 17 . Install the rubber counter flashing over the neck of the Roof Mount until it is fully seated onto the Flashing .

  • Page 43: Leveling The Mounting Assemblies

    Chapter 6: Installation 2 . Secure and tighten each mounting assembly bolt using 14 lb-ft or 19 N-m of torque . The mounting base and swivel portion for each Mounting Assembly should be facing downroof as shown . Note: If you need to adjust the position of the Mounting Assemblies later, you can loosen the mounting bolts and make the necessary adjustments .
  • Page 44 ™ Solar User Guide 3 . Once you’ve reached the Mounting Assembly at the other end of the row, pull the leveling string over the top surface of the mount swivel and tie another knot around the mounting assembly stud as performed in step 1 .

  • Page 45: Trim Cover Installation

    Chapter 6: Installation Trim Cover Installation With all of the Mounting Assemblies now at the same height, install the trim cover by following these steps: 1 . Hook the Trim Cover over the top lip of the Mounting Assemblies by placing it horizontally across the mount swivels in row one and rotating it down until it comes to a stop .

  • Page 46: Trim Lock Installation

    ™ Solar User Guide Trim Lock Installation Once the Trim Covers are installed, secure each Trim Cover to the Mounting Assemblies by installing a trim lock on each mounting swivel . 1 . Place and hold the trim lock up against the side of the Mounting Assembly and align it underneath the hole located in the mounting swivel .

  • Page 47: Ac Module Installation

    Chapter 6: Installation • The vertical gap created by the installation of two Trim Covers installed side by side . AC Module Installation With the Trim Covers installed properly, follow these steps to install the AC Modules: 1 . Hook the AC Module onto the top lip of the Mounting Assemblies in row one and lower it approximately 45˚...
  • Page 48 ™ Solar User Guide 3 . While lowering the AC Module into place, continue to pull it slightly towards you to ensure it remains hooked onto the swivel mounts in the previous row . Secure the AC Module to the Roof Mounts using the Mounting Assembly .
  • Page 49 Chapter 6: Installation 7 . Once the trunk cables are connected, lower and secure the AC Module into place . 8 . If the corner edges of the AC Modules do not rest on a Connector Mount, use a Panel Connector to join the AC Modules together .

  • Page 50: Solar Gateway

    ™ Solar User Guide Solar Gateway Ports Reset Button Ethernet Port Ethernet Port This Ethernet port is used to connect the Solar Gateway to your LAN . Reset Button This button resets the Solar Gateway back to factory defaults . Press and hold the Reset button for more than 10 seconds while the Solar Gateway is powered on .

  • Page 51: Installation

    Chapter 6: Installation Installation WARNING: Before installing this product, disconnect the solar system from the grid or any source of power to prevent shock or damage . 1 . Tilt the Solar Gateway forward and hook it underneath the upper edge of the solar module railing . Rotate it down until it stops and rests along the side of the AC Module .

  • Page 52: Setup

    4 . Connect the Input cable on the Solar Gateway to the four-prong connector on the Microinverter . Setup The sunMAX Install app allows you to set up the Solar Gateway on your network to communicate with the Ubiquiti cloud management software . Download the sunMAX Install app on your mobile device from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) .
  • Page 53 Chapter 6: Installation 4 . Tap Install to select a customer site to view or install . 5 . Tap Gateway from the Site Dashboard screen . 6 . When prompted for a connection type to your local network, tap Ethernet .
  • Page 54 ™ Solar User Guide 7 . Connect an Ethernet cable to your Solar Gateway by performing steps a-c and tap Next when finished . a . Remove the Port Cover from the Solar Gateway and remove the Cable Feed Plug from the Port Cover .
  • Page 55 Chapter 6: Installation c . Replace the Port Cover . 8 . Tap Scan QR to pair the Solar Gateway with the current customer site information . 9 . Scan the QR code to complete the pairing process .
  • Page 56 ™ Solar User Guide 10 . The MAC address and serial number should appear . Tap Next to continue or Redo Scan if necessary . 11 . The following screen appears while the Solar Gateway is connecting to your LAN and being configured .

  • Page 57: End Run Installation

    Chapter 6: Installation End Run Installation Safety Prior to the installation of the End Run, ensure the main breaker and any alternate power sources are turned off so the main panel is not energized . Ensure that you do not to cut or damage insulation of any wires . Adhere to local guidelines for all wire gauges and installation requirements .
  • Page 58 ™ Solar User Guide 2 . Locate the open connector at the end of your array of AC Modules and connect the end run cable to the Y-Cable until it is firmly seated . Note: One End Run can support up to 16 continuous AC Modules in an array . Solar arrays comprised of more than 16 AC Modules will require additional End Run assemblies .
  • Page 59 Chapter 6: Installation 5 . Secure the conduit to the conduit connector and insert the appropriate wires into their respective terminal block locations (L1-N-L2-GND) inside the End Run housing . 6 . Slide the End Run housing into the cover until it snaps securely in place and pull back on the wiring from the other end to reduce the slack .
  • Page 60 ™ Solar User Guide 8 . Spread the conduit support clamps open and fit them over the conduit with the non-threaded screw hole facing out . Twist the screw into the clamp until the screw thread is visible and protruding from the opposite side .
  • Page 61 Chapter 6: Installation 11 . Install the Grounding Stud into the pre-threaded hole located underneath any Panel Connector in the array . Note: A Grounding Stud can ground up to 60 AC Modules if they are connected together using Panel Connectors . Grounding Stud Panel Connector (Underside View)
  • Page 62 ™ Solar User Guide...

  • Page 63: Appendix A: Span Tables

    Appendix A: Span Tables Appendix A: Span Tables Exposure Category B Interior Zone Ground Wind Speed (mph) Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 48" 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24"...

  • Page 64: Edge Zone

    Solar User Guide ™ Edge Zone Wind Speed (mph) Ground Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 48" 24" 24"...

  • Page 65: Exposure Category C

    Appendix A: Span Tables Exposure Category C Interior Zone Wind Speed (mph) Ground Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 48" 24"...

  • Page 66: Edge Zone

    Solar User Guide ™ Edge Zone Wind Speed (mph) Ground Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24"...

  • Page 67: Exposure Category D

    Appendix A: Span Tables Exposure Category D Interior Zone Wind Speed (mph) Ground Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 48" 48" 24" 24"...

  • Page 68: Edge Zone

    Solar User Guide ™ Edge Zone Wind Speed (mph) Ground Roof Roof Slope Snow Load Zone (psf ) 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24" 24"...

  • Page 69: Appendix B: Tile Roof

    Appendix B: Tile Roof Appendix B: Tile Roof Additional Tile Roof Mount Requirements • Angle grinder/saw with a masonry blade • Roofing paper and roofing cement Roof Mount and Flashing Installation Subflashing 1 . Install the threaded studs into the Roof Mounts by turning them clockwise until they bottom out . 2 .
  • Page 70 Solar User Guide ™ 4 . Using the larger, upper Flashing as a guide, ensure that the upper edge of the Flashing will sit at least 1" (25 mm) under the front edge of tiles in the course above . If the Flashing does not extend up underneath the course of tiles above, adjust it along the vertical chalk line until it does .
  • Page 71 Appendix B: Tile Roof 8 . Using chalk or crayon, locate and mark the vertical rafter locations on the underlayment surface . 9 . Transfer the horizontal chalk lines from the tiles to the underlayment below . 10 . Place a Roof Mount on the underlayment and line up the vertical holes in the mount base with the chalk line .
  • Page 72 Solar User Guide ™ 11 . Pre-drill two penetration points along the vertical axis using the roof mount holes as your template . To avoid damaging the roof mount base, do not drill all the way through to the rafter with it in place .

  • Page 73: Bibbing Method

    2 . Apply roofing sealant, in the shape of an arch, to the underside surface of the subflashing . The non-sealed end should face downroof . 3 . Place the subflashing over the roof mount with the Ubiquiti logo facing downroof . Note: If the batten prevents proper placement of the roofing paper or subflashing, use a roofing bar to pry and lift the batten high enough to slide under .
  • Page 74 Solar User Guide ™ 5 . Apply a minimum of 0 .25" (6 mm) continuous roofing sealant around the gap between the subflashing and the neck of the roof mount . 6 . Install the rubber counter flashing over the neck of the roof mount and press it down firmly onto the roofing sealant you applied in the previous step .

  • Page 75: Three-Course Method

    1 . Apply roofing sealant, in the shape of an arch, to the underside surface of the subflashing . The non-sealed end should face downroof . 2 . Place the subflashing over the roof mount with the Ubiquiti logo facing downroof . Note: If the batten obstructs proper placement of the subflashing, use a roofing bar to pry and lift the batten high enough to slide the subflashing under .
  • Page 76 Solar User Guide ™ 3 . Press the subflashing firmly down onto the underlayment to ensure a watertight installation . 4 . Apply a minimum of 0 .25" (6 mm) continuous roofing sealant around the gap between the subflashing and the neck of the Roof Mount .

  • Page 77: Upper Flashing

    Appendix B: Tile Roof 6 . Apply a layer (0 .13" or 3 mm minimum thickness) of elastomeric roof cement around the top three sides of the subflashing . The cement should cover at least 2" (50 mm) on both the flashing and the roof surface . 7 .
  • Page 78 Solar User Guide ™ 3 . Remove the tile(s) and cut out the marked section to expose the roof mount and subflashing . Use caution when cutting to avoid breaking or damaging the tile(s) . Note: Use a diamond cutting blade or a masonry core bit to create an opening in the tile(s) .
  • Page 79 Appendix B: Tile Roof 5 . For curved tiles, the upper Flashing needs to be shaped to the profile of the roof’s tiles . Position the opening of the Flashing directly over the Roof Mount and form the Flashing to the curvature of the tiles . 6 .
  • Page 80 Solar User Guide ™ 8 . Install the extension post onto the threaded stud below by lowering it through the Flashing and turning it clockwise until it bottoms out . 9 . Apply a minimum of 0 .25" (6 mm) of continuous roofing sealant around the gap between the Flashing and the neck of the extension post .

  • Page 81: Appendix C: Contact Information

    Appendix C: Contact Information Appendix C: Contact Information Ubiquiti Networks Support Ubiquiti Support Engineers are located around the world and are dedicated to helping customers resolve software, hardware compatibility, or field issues as quickly as possible . We strive to respond to support inquiries within a 24-hour period .
  • Page 82 . u b n t . c o m ©2015 Ubiquiti Networks, Inc . All rights reserved . Ubiquiti, Ubiquiti Networks, the Ubiquiti U logo, the Ubiquiti beam logo, and sunMAX, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ubiquiti Networks, Inc . in the United States and in other countries . Google™, Android™, Google Play™ and other marks are...

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